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As you can imagine, drowning is a traumatic experience, especially for children. What you may not know about is locked-in syndrome, which can happen to survivors of drowning.

Locked-In Syndrome is as it sounds; it is a condition where one is conscious and aware, but unable to move their body. Usually, this condition paralyzes the entire body except for eye movement.

Researchers at the UT Health San Antonio studied ten children who suffer from locked-in syndrome after drowning. Using MRI scans, the researchers analyzed the scans of these children to find a connection. What they found were anoxic brain injuries (ABI) that led to focal strokes. This means motor pathways in the brain were damaged, but areas with cognition and sense pathways were unharmed.

While there is no cure for locked-in syndrome yet, this is promising for researchers. Knowing where the damage occurs can lead to treatment and possible prevention when drowning victims are resuscitated.

There is a lengthy process for organ donor approval, and in the case of liver donors, especially invasive. Biopsies, catheter tests, ERCP, and many more tests are often used to make sure liver donors are viable.

Fortunately, researchers are testing whether or not MRI scans work as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for testing liver health in donors. Not only could this save time, this may also work to ensure the liver remains healthy. There would be no need for more potentially hazardous invasive procedures nor would patients undergo treatments that cause radiation. So far the review looks promising, make sure to read the full story.

MRI machines can be tricky. While in many ways safer than other imaging modalities, it is also more hazardous in others. MRIs do not have any sort of radiation, but on the flip side, anything that is metal can turn into a dangerous projectile with the magnet.

With this in mind, it is not easy to design a device that meets these ferromagnetic standards. However, the team at Aspect Imaging just got the Embrace Neonatal MRI System cleared by the FDA. Now those in neonatal intensive care units can get the diagnostic readings they need. While there is still more to be seen, this is in the trend of improving the power of MRI scanning.

Most MRI news consists of professional athletes, football, hockey, boxing, among others, getting a scan. Why does this population get so many scans, and what are the causes?

In a recent study in Radiology journal, researchers took a look at about 200 professional fighter scans. While this is not the first study to analyze mild brain trauma in fighters, this study did something different. Most studies look at gray brain matter; this study analyzed both gray and white brain matter to paint a better picture.

The results so far are helping researchers to understand how repeated mild brain trauma affects professional fighters; applications in the future may analyze other athletes. If researchers can understand how this trauma will progress in the future, steps can be taken now to prevent.

MRI contrast agents, particularly gadolinium based agents, are getting a lot of attention lately. Some of this news has been good, some news poor, and some news ambivalent. The most recent news in the world of contrast agents is exciting, however.

A team at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, led by Dr. Gang Han, is developing a protein-based contrast agent. Similar to the glucose contrast agent in earlier news, this contrast agent is another natural occurring product of the body. One special property of this team’s contrast agent is that it aims to be ‘tumor-targeting’. We will have to wait and see how exactly it targets tumors in the upcoming tests, but it aims to be like other targeting proteins, such as those that used in cancer treatment.

Here at Sound Imaging, we are intrigued to see how all of these contrast agents will play a role in the world of imaging. While the world of MRI contrast agents becomes more complex, keep things simple with a wide array of MRI equipment. Any MRI parts, MRI coils, or MRI services, is quick and easy find with our team.

You may be seeing a wearable MRI scanner in the not too distant future, so to speak. While this BCI, or brain-computer interface, uses similar properties of an MRI, it also has roots with the Virtual Reality headset, Oculus Rift.

The start-up behind this device is Openwater. The aim is to “to create a wearable to enable us to see the inner workings of the body and brain at high resolution.” In terms of healthcare, this would streamline imaging scans on a massive level, but there are some other ramifications to this device as well, as Futurism points out in their article.

Yesterday was the last day of AHRA 2017 Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. It was a fast four days and there was tons of information, techniques, and stories we gathered at the event.

However, what is always the underlying theme is the human side of imaging. Often healthcare is seen as having limited choices. It’s either receive this type of healthcare, pay more to get better care, or don’t pay and get nothing. As Jake Poore, keynote speaker with Disney experience noted in his speech, ‘it’s connecting the dots between human and business.

At Sound Imaging, we know healthcare providers and patients always have a choice. This is why we aim to provide the best prices for the best MRI devices and services. MRI patient comfort is becoming more and more of a necessity rather than a perk; this is why our MRI Stereo and MRI Visors are competitively priced to offer you the best quality.

Thank you to all of you who visited our booth and we look forward to hearing from you soon! This is an adapted article, to learn more visit AHRA Convention Daily.

As many of you know and may be attending, AHRA 2017 is taking place in Anaheim right now! There are tons of new and diverse devices and topics at AHRA, but it seems like there is one topic that never leaves the world of imaging: MRI Safety.

AHRA’s Convention Daily dedicates an article to MRI Safety and how there is still a need to improve safety standards. The author outlines several roles that would increase overall MRI safety, that includes: an MRI Director that is fully trained and competent in safety policies, an MR Safety Office that maintains safety procedures, and an independent MRI Safety Expert. Read the Tuesday Convention Daily to get the full story.

Overall, we are glad to see how to conversation about MRI Safety is always evolving. At AHRA, we are happy to show some of our MRI Accessories, including SAMM System and SAMM MD, the MRI camera systems. These camera systems allow you to keep your eye on all parts of the MR room to strengthen safety standards.

Make sure to stop by Booth #325 to try out our MRI devices for yourself! This is an adapted article and picture is from this online photo.

As you all might have heard, AHRA 2017 is coming in a few days! In preparation for this event, we are happy to announce the Total Comfort MRI Suite! The Total Comfort MRI Suite is a deluxe suite that includes some of our best-selling MRI accessories together in one cost-effective and easy package. Check out our press release to get all of the details!

We are especially excited for this release. While we are proud of all our MRI devices, this one combines the best and brightest and offers excellent savings. The Sound Imaging goal is to make healthcare affordable, and the Total Comfort MRI Suite does exactly this.

As always, please ask us any questions about our upcoming Total Comfort MRI Suite either at our Contact Us page, or ask us in person at AHRA 2017. Looking forward to saying hello to all of you in Anaheim this coming week!

This week is special for us at Sound Imaging. It’s the week before AHRA 2017! What does this mean?

AHRA (or the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators) is a nationwide organization for leadership within the radiology field, which also includes MR imaging. They host a number of conferences each year, and we’re lucky to be attending one such event!

While there are a variety of showcases and exhibitors, we are especially excited to see the emphasis on MRI patient comfort. We are proud to present several of our patient comfort MRI devices, like MRI Visors and MRI Stereo at the conference. These devices put everyone at ease, especially the pediatric population. Test them out for yourself in person by joining us at the conference!

A new study takes a look at how to quickly diagnose pediatric appendicitis. As with most things in life, the faster it can be done, the better. However, more often than not, the faster something is done, the less efficient or accurate it is. The research team tried to find the sweet spot between fast diagnosis while maintaining accuracy.

The team also wanted to see how performance would change without the use of sedation and contrast agents. Pediatric imaging is often more tricky to do without the use of sedation.

The results so far show a fairly high rate of accuracy with this rapid MRI procedure. Out of ninety-eight MRI exams, the results show this method has 94% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and 91% positive predictive value. These results look promising especially when it comes to pediatric imaging.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRI examinations are continuously improved, not only with accuracy but patient comfort as well. Here, we do our best to improve the patient experience with our line of MRI Accessories. MRI Visors and MRI Stereo are excellent options for those long MRI exams, especially for the little ones.

A new study shows that there may be a new type of MRI contrast agent. The best part? It’s glucose, or sugar, based. This means it may be safer than other contrast agents in the market.

As you may have read in our previous posts, there was a recent controversy over gadolinium based MRI contrast agents, which may have led to unhealthy side effects. This new contrast agent in some ways also allows for even better results than traditional MRI contrast agents, since sugar naturally penetrates the cell deeper.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how the MR world is always improving upon itself. We aim for this goal of self-improvement as well with our line of MRI accessories. All of our MRI accessories are designed with safety in mind, which is why SAMM System and Magnet Watch are excellent solutions for your MRI facility. SAMM System keeps an eye on your patients, while Magnet Watch looks up for your MRI machine.

A new study in the Academic Radiology Journal has hopeful news for those who suffer from Crohn’s disease.

As some of you may or may not know, Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition which causes inflammation and subsequent cramping in the GI tract. It usually occurs where the small intestine meets the large intestine. While not necessarily deadly, this disease can be debilitating for everyday life; there is no cure right now, though treatment does relieve symptoms.

In this study, CT and MRI scans were measured for accuracy in diagnosing Crohn’s disease. The results so far show that CT and MRI are both highly accurate in diagnosing; MRI may be used more often because it is radiation free. This will allow for quicker diagnoses and subsequent quicker treatment.

At Sound Imaging, we are always happy to see how imaging helps people find their diagnosis and subsequent treatment. We also know getting a scan can be an unpleasant experience, regardless of its accuracy. This is why MRI accessories are so crucial to making the patient experience better. MRI Visors, the portable MRI video goggle system, and MRI Stereo, the two-way communication and music system, are easy solutions to improve patient care.

Many of you have seen a number of objects turn into projectiles in MRI facilities. The usual culprit is am oxygen tank, wheelchair, gurney, or another medical device. However, an MRI facility in Turkey had an unusual MRI projectile recently.

A retired police officer brought his personal gun into the MRI room. Naturally, this turned into a particularly deadly projectile. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the process. Read the full details at this Turkish news network.

This story is another reminder of the importance of MRI safety, which is sometimes overlooked. For incidents like these, it is important to have the safest equipment and the best safety practices. One easy and effective methods to increase patient safety is with SAMM System, the MRI conditional CCTV camera system, and its upgraded model, SAMM MD, which also provides motion detection features.

Can you shorten your MRI exam time, while also getting accurate results? Maybe.

A recent study published in the Academic Radiology journal shows preliminary results for a quick scan and read times for breast MRI scans.

To put simply, the team compared using a full diagnostic protocol (FDP) vs a simplified breast protocol (SBP). The difference between the two methods was interpretation and scan time. Instead of a full scan, the SBP uses a limited scan method targeting breast cancer regions.

The results so far have been promising. The simplified version was comparable to the full diagnostic procedure. This may eventually lead to faster scans without losing accuracy.

In the meantime, most patients will need to go through the full diagnostic process, which is no quick procedure. To make the scan process easier for patients, look to MRI accessories, which provide patient comfort and distraction from the scan. MRI Visors, the portable video goggle system, and MRI Stereo, the two-way communication music device, are excellent tools to ease patient discomfort and distract from the scan.

MRI Patients might be the most unsatisfied patients compared to other modalities.

A recent study in the Journal of American College of Radiology conducted a survey among different departments at several outpatient imaging centers. The goal of this survey was to see what are the driving factors in an imaging patient experience.

After analyzing over 6000 surveys, results show most comments were positive, which related to the staff and perceived quality of care. Negative comments came mostly from long wait times, and MRI patients were more likely to share negative experiences. The negative comments were usually from the MRI examination itself.

There is a surprisingly high rate for ‘unexpected events’ during the MRI scan procedure; about 1 in 6 cases have an unexpected event. What do unexpected events mean and why is this important?

The research published in this month’s Journal of American College of Radiology states the rate of unexpected events during an MRI scan process is at about 17%. According to the study, unexpected events are categorized into a number of categories: problems with orders/scheduling; delayed scans; foreign bodies; non-contrast related patient events; contrast related patient events; and technical issues.

The most common unexpected event was non-contrast related patient events, which related to events when the patient was: claustrophobic, moving too much, or general patient discomfort during the scan.

This is significant news for the MRI field. Great lengths are still needed to make the MRI experience better for patients. This is not only for their satisfaction, but also make sure the best possible healthcare is provided.

At Sound Imaging, we have an answer for some of these unexpected events.

Our line of MRI Accessories addresses not only patient comfort but patient safety as well. MRI Visors, the portable video goggle system, and MRI Stereo, the two-way communication music device, are excellent tools to ease patient discomfort and anxiety. To address patient motion, look to our SAMM MD, the MRI camera system with motion detection that can even pause scans if motion is detected. Make your MRI patient experience the best.

MRI scans are invaluable for diagnosing a variety of health concerns. However, this process can be scary, especially for little ones. To better cope, most facilities use anesthesia for pediatric scans.

A recent study by the Partners for Kids organization studied thousands of cases from 2011 to 2014 to better understand the cost breakdown for pediatric MRI scans. During this period, there was increased need for anesthesia, increasing from roughly 22% to 33% in scans.

As you can guess, with more anesthesia needs, the cost for MRI scans goes up especially in this pediatric population.

At Sound Imaging, we fortunately have a solution for these increased costs. For these little ones, we have developed a MRI device specifically for this population. The MRI Visors are a portable video goggle system that mimic a movie like experience within the MRI. Save these non-stop costs with a quick and easy solution by MRI Visors.

You might need to have good people skills to effectively run your imaging center according to a new study.

The Journal of American College of Radiology released a study that showcased the efficacy of trained communication skills. To see if these communication skill trainings were useful, the team compared sites that were trained and sites that were not.

The overall results showed a noticeable difference between the with the sites with communication skills training and those without. Using over 20,000 scans in the span of six months, the sites without communication training showed decreased equipment usage, decreased no-show rates, and decreased patient satisfaction.

So what does all of this data mean? It means there is tangible value in improving the patient experience.

As professionals, our goal is to always put the patient first, whether that be with effective communication skills or making the MRI scan less scary.

At Sound Imaging, we do this by ensuring safety and patient satisfaction with our line of MRI Accessories. Put patients at ease with the MRI Stereo, the two-way communication and MRI music system. Make the MRI comfortable with MRI Visors, the portable MRI video google system.

This past week has shown two varying opinions for the controversial MRI contrast agent, gadolinium. One source presents the FDA will not limit gadolinium based agents, but will continue to study the heavy metal, while a Mayo Clinic study shows preliminary results of gadolinium in postmortem pediatric brains.

Gadolinium raises some concerns because it is a heavy metal that can be retained within the brain, bone, and skin. However at the moment there is only one condition which relates to directly to gadolinium retention, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). This condition leads to harden skin and stiff joints in those with kidney conditions.

So is gadolinium dangerous or not? While there is no definitive answer yet, the question alone ought to signal we need to take a closer look at the quality of healthcare.

As professionals, our goal is to always put the patient first. At Sound Imaging, we do this by ensuring safety and patient satisfaction with our line of MRI Accessories. Increase safety with the SAMM M.D., a motion detection MRI camera system. Make the MRI comfortable with MRI Visors, the portable MRI video google system.

A recent study by the New York School of Medicine and Emory University School of Medicine shows a significant increase to CT and MRI use within emergency departments within the past decade. Depending on the treatment, there was anywhere from 20 to 40 percent increase.

What does this mean and why does that matter? Firstly, it shows how integral imaging has become to the healthcare world. Secondly, this presents us how effective these imaging needs can be within emergency situations. Often MRI or CT scans are not seen as a tool used in an emergency situation, but this proves that is not necessarily the case.

At Sound Imaging, we know how much time is of the essence. This is why we offer MRI services, like repairs and installations within a timely manner, to make sure your facility can get back to see patients as soon as possible. Our line of MRI accessories also keep in mind how important time is, with our MRI accessories need little to no down time to install, like MRI Visors, the portable MRI video system, that requires no downtime for your facility.

This is an adapted article, and to learn more about this MRI and CT research, read the full story. Picture is a MRI stock photo.

Most of you are probably familiar with 1.5T and 3.0T MRI Scanners, but 7.0T is a new frontier in the world of MR-imaging. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is the latest healthcare provider to hop on the 7.0T trend, and fortunately they shared their installation process.

Installing a 25-ton MRI scanner that costs around $7,000,000 is no easy task. The team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital specially designed the MRI room to accommodate this machine’s weight and high magnetic field. Read the full story at this news network

MRI installation can be a stressful, expensive, and even a terrifying process. However, if you get the right professionals and the best in equipment, this process is a finch. Explore some of our MRI installation options to help you through this process.

The Mayo Clinic’s Red Wing Facility just got a $3,000,000 upgrade. Included in this upgrade are increased capabilities for small extremities, bariatric patients, and overall increased patient safety and diagnostic ability. If you have been keeping up with our blogs, you will notice there is a trend for bigger, better, and newer MRI Suites (as it should be).

However, we do not believe these MRI upgrades need a hefty price tag. Quality does not need to equal expensive. At Sound Imaging, our goal is to make healthcare affordable. It is possible to offer all the bells and whistles of a brand new MRI Comfort Suite without spending millions.

Not only do we offer a number of MRI services, from repair to installation, but we also provide a line of high quality, low price MRI Accessories. These MRI Accessories offer patient safety and comfort to create a better MRI experience, all while staying in budget. Explore our patient comfort devices, like MRI Stereo that plays music and allows for two-way communication, or MRI Visors, the portable video goggle system to mimic a theater experience. Patient safety is also a priority, so take a look at our SAMM System and SAMM MD, MRI conditional video camera systems to keep an eye on your patients, with motion detection.

You can bring the best MRI experience to your patients all while saving money.

This is an adapted article, and to learn more about the Mayo Clinic Red Wing Facility, read the full story. Picture is from this Pintrest photo.

Strokes are one of the most common causes of death, and there is little in terms of treatment. One of the most deadly type of strokes are spontaneous intra-cerebral hemorrhages (ICH), which has a fatality rate of about 50%.

Fortunately two powerhouses are making a plan to combat these strokes. The Mayo Clinic and MRI Interventions Inc. are collaborating to develop MRI therapies to treat ICH, using the ClearPoint Neuro Navigation System, which allows for real time MRI images of patient’s brain during surgery. In other words, this system allows for surgeons to perform fine-tuned and minimally invasive procedures for stroke patients.

While there is still more research needed, it seems a new line of work MRI machines will be with assisted surgery.

At Sound Imaging, we are excited to see how the utility of MRI scans are expanding to treatment options as well. We understand and appreciate the versatility of MRI machines, which is why we aim to provide everything and anything for MRIs. Explore our services, repairs, inventory, and our patient comfort MRI accessories. Find everything you need for your MRI all in one convenient location.

This is an adapted article, and to learn more about this endeavor by the Mayo Clinic and MRI Interventions, read the full story. Picture is from this stock photo.

Another hospital has finished developing a brand new MRI Comfort Suite. The proud owners of this MRI are the Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

As with most new MRI scanners, a priority was patient comfort to alleviate claustrophobia. One of the lead doctors, Dr. Sanjay Saluja, notes that while an open bore MRI does alleviate this anxiety, it usually leads to a compromise with scan quality. This was not an acceptable outcome for the team at Berkeley Medical Center. Therefore to keep a high standard of scan quality and patient comfort, the team invested $1.8 million into the MRI Suite.

Despite the hefty investment, the Berkeley Medical Center and their patients seem to happy with the results, some say it's like walking into the future. Fortunately, there are many other options to improve patient comfort without breaking the bank.

At Sound Imaging, we are happy to see how patient comfort is improving in the world of imaging. While there is no cost too high for patient care, we also believe that healthcare can easily be affordable and high quality. We meet this ideal with our line of MRI Accessories, like the MRI Visors and MRI Stereo. Easily improve the patient experience with these cost effective and easy to use options if you do not have a million dollars lying around.

This is an adapted article, and to learn more about the Berkeley Medical Center, read the full story. Picture is from this news journal.

Some of you may have heard about the Zika virus. Put simply, it is a virus that is transferred by infected mosquitoes. While not usually deadly, if a pregnant woman if infected, it can cause severe fetal abnormalities, like microcephaly, that can lead to brain defects.

Fortunately, a new MRI study is analyzing these pregnant women who have the Zika virus. Out of the 48 wombs scanned, 3 had abnormalities. This made researchers then question, have the other 45 babies developed an immunity? In addition, can a vaccine be created from these results? Tests are still preliminary, but there looks to be progress coming soon. Read the full story

At Sound Imaging, we are happy to see how MRI scans help us understand and better develop healthcare. While we are not studying new vaccines, we do research how to make the best MRI devices in the market. With our low costs and high quality, we create the most cost effective and satisfactory MRI devices, like our MRI Visors and MRI Stereo.

In some of our previous blogs, we’ve noted how some people are waiting months or even years to get a MRI scan. Now, we hear news that some people are even skipping ahead on these wait lists. How so?

According to an auditor from Manitoba, Canada, it is by getting on a MRI Scan cancellation list. This essentially means if someone cancels their scan, you can get their spot. Now, this does mean you are opening your availability to the whim of someone cancelling, but it might outweigh the con of having to wait months for a scheduled scan. Read the full story at the Manitoba CBC news story.

At Sound Imaging, we always aim to provide affordable healthcare to all, and we know how important MRI scans are when it comes to health. We do this by making our MRI accessory line competitively priced and our repair and services efficient, so you do not need to break the bank to keep your MRI healthy.

MRI scanners can detect a whole lot of different diagnoses. They can show cancer, Alzheimer’s, MS, and plenty more. But can a MRI scan show your age?

Researchers in the UK, at the Imperial College London, have evidence that MRI scans can detect your ‘brain age’, or how much wear and tear is on your brain compared to your actual age. While this may sound like a doomsday sort of calculation, there is practical use for this analysis.

“The study involves using brain MRI scans to look at the size of people’s brain tissue — gray matter and white matter — across the lifespan,” says Dr. James Cole, one of the project leads. After looking at about 2000 brains, researchers hope with this understanding, we can improve and prevent illness and aging.

At Sound Imaging, we are always amazed by how much MRI scans can help us learn. We encourage MRI technology with our line of MRI Accessories, aimed at patient comfort and safety. Two of our newest devices are the SAMM M.D., a MRI camera system with motion detection, and MRI Visors, a portable video goggle system that is safe for your MRI scanner.

As many of you may know, MRI scans are notorious for being an uncomfortable process. However, there is a solution.

At Sound Imaging, we are in the final stages of our MRI Visors, a portable MRI video entertainment system, that go on the face as goggles. With MRI Visors, you can allow patients to feel at ease, and comfortable patients are satisfied patients. To learn more about our MRI Visors, please contact us for questions or quotes.

Click to learn more about our other MRI Accessories, SAMM System and MRI Stereo, that are aimed to reduce patient anxiety, increase facility safety, and increase patient satisfaction. Stay tuned for our next press release!

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRIs help us improve healthcare and understanding. We do our best to provide top of the line MRI Accessories to meet the demands of current imaging. One such device, the MRI Visors, allows patients to have a movie-like experience within the machine, and is perfect for studies like this one.

The MRI team at Jacksonville, Florida based Wolfson Children’s Hospital have a new campaign to make MRI's kid friendly. They have coined the term, ‘MR-I-Am Ready!’, which aims to educate and calm children’s anxieties as they go through the MRI machine.

Not only does this initiative aim to reduce kid’s anxiety as they go through the scanner, but also to reduce the need for sedation. Sedation is an extra expense, and does not necessarily reduce the the anxiety within children. One parent recalls how scared her child was as going under.

At Sound Imaging, we are happy to see how more and more education around MRI machines is expanding, even to little ones. We also do our part to let children feel safe within the MRI with our line of patient comfort MRI accessories. One such device, the MRI Visors, allows patients to have a movie-like experience within the machine, and is perfect for all ages.

Recently, we’ve been taking a hard look at MRI safety. The Boston Globe this past week published an in-depth and honest analysis of the current state of affairs when it comes to MRI safety. The news is mixed.

Long story short, in many ways MRI accidents are under-reported due to embarrassment, and most verification, credential, and training processes regarding MRI safety are only voluntary. As MRI scans become more and more used in the healthcare field, we need to ensure safety of patients and staff on MRI facilities. MRI machines have so many benefits, we need to make sure MRI safety isn’t lost in the growth.

At Sound Imaging, we do our part to increase MRI safety awareness with our line of MRI Safety Devices. We aim to make safety affordable and through, so no one is left in the dark when it comes to MRI safety.

MRI Safety is always a priority. In some ways, MRI machines are safer than most other imaging devices since they do not produce any radiation; but in other ways a giant magnet poses its own risks.

So it is no wonder why the role of MRI Safety Officer is so important. Currently, the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety requires examination, training, and experience to earn a MRI Safety certificate; there are about 600 safety officers in the country today.

Their role is to ensure patients are always safe and to oversee any possible risks that may occur during a scan. These officers know how important quality assurance and safety go hand in hand.

At Sound Imaging, we know how crucial MRI safety is to MRI staff and patients. We do our best to stay up to date with MRI standards with our line of MRI Accessories, which aim to increase patient safety and comfort.

Why combine the two modalities? A better question is why not. By combining MRI and PET, this team aims to reduce patient time spent on imaging needs, while also offering better imaging quality and reducing radiation. This PET/MRI Scanner will likely reduce imaging scan time from 2 hours to about 45 minutes now.

The Northwestern PET/MRI Scanner will also be used for investigatory purposes, such as studying molecular diagnoses, as well as mental health disorders.

At Sound Imaging, we are continuously surprised with the leaps of advancement the imaging field creates. We do our best to stay up to date with MRI advancement with our line of MRI Accessories, which aim to increase patient safety and comfort.

Like many things, when a MRI gets old it gets ‘thrown away’. However, in Brisbane, Australia, an old MRI scanner is getting a new life working with CERN to analyze stars.

Using the high strength magnet, researchers at the CERN ISOLDE facility can build a device to see and learn about nuclear reactions during supernovae explosions. By using a magnet of a old MRI system, CERN was able to save more than 1,000,000 CHF, which equates to almost $1,000,000 USD.

The cost to repurpose this magnet was only 160 000 CHF or $159,680.64 USD.

At Sound Imaging, our goal is to make healthcare affordable. We do this by offer repair, refurbishment, maintenance, and recycling services for your MRI Scanner. Along with these services, we also want to make the MRI Suite safe and comfortable with our line of MRI Accessories.

Some of you may have heard of gadolinium in terms of MRI contrast agents. However, this rare earth metal is raising some concerning health issues.

Not too long ago, the European Medicines Agency stated this agent, as well as three others, ought to be pulled from the European market. Concerns came from the length of time gadolinium stays within the patient’s body. For patients, the EMA recommends asking for no contrast when getting a scan.

Contrast agents are used to make contrast, or more defined images when scanning patients. It is useful to cancer or inflammation diagnoses, but it is not necessary for scans of fractures, and many other diagnoses for example.

While we stay tuned to see what will happen to this contrast agent, we are proud to supply a number of MRI Safety and MRI Comfort devices so your staff and patients don't need to worry about getting your next scan. Two such devices are our SAMM System, a MRI patient monitoring camera system, MRI Stereo, a music and two-way communication device. Explore more about our Accessory Line and our many other MRI Services. This is an adapted article, click to learn more at news network, and image is from this MRI blog.

Recently, news released about price disparity of MRI costs for patients. In Alaska, the difference between getting a scan from an imaging center versus a hospital was upwards of $3000. Michigan is close behind with a difference of upwards of $2000.

In many cases it was cheaper to pay out of pocket for scans at imaging centers versus going through the insurance provider and getting a scan at a hospital.

Why is there a vast difference in MRI scan prices?

There are a number of factors, from location, doctors at the facility, and the quality of the equipment. Regardless the reason, this cost is then put onto the patient, the last person who can probably afford a $3000 MRI scan.

To combat this problem, Sound Imaging offers high quality, and low prices for MRI devices. These devices are increase patient safety and patient comfort, all at an affordable price point, so you can pass the savings onto your patients.

Click to learn more about SAMM System, the MRI CCTV Safety System, and MRI Stereo, the premier music and two-way communication device, as well as our other Accessories. This is an adapted article, and picture is from this news network. Click to learn more about the price disparity at this MRI news story.

MRIs are sometimes given a bad reputation. However, there is cause for this reputation.

Not too long ago, there was a reported 211% increase in MRI accidents. There are a number of website dedicated exclusively to MRI safety. And even just this past year, the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, published an article detailing the safety duties of MRI staff.

As you can see, MRI safety is always at the front of everyone’s mind.

At Sound Imaging, we know how important it is not only for patients, but for staff as well, to feel safe within the MRI environment. Here, we do our part to improve the MRI Suite with our line of MRI accessories. Our patient safety and comfort focused include the SAMM System, a MRI conditional CCTV system, which monitors the MRI machine around the clock; and Magnet Watch, a device that monitors various settings on of your machine, from power to helium levels to name a few, and will alert your staff immediately if any of these change to abnormal. All of our devices are tested to meet MRI conditional standards.

Researchers in Houston, Texas, are working to make science fiction a reality. Rather, they are are designing micro-sized robots to perform minimally invasive surgeries that are MRI guided. While MRIs are typically used only to diagnose, there is a movement to have MRI machines also work with treatment methods in non-invasive or minimally invasive way.

The milli-robots, as they have been coined, will be about the same size as a hair’s width. The ultimate goal of these robots will be to guided by physicians within a MRI machine to perform precise procedures.

At Sound Imaging, are glad to see how MRI machines are evolving within the world of healthcare. Here, we do our part to improve the MRI Suite as well with our line of MRI accessories. Our patient safety and comfort focused include the SAMM System, a MRI conditional CCTV system, and the MRI Stereo, a two-way communication and music device. Explore our extensive line of MRI devices.

Claustrophobia and MRI are two words that go hand-in-hand with each other, unfortunately. Sally Friedman, a writer for The Inquirer, details her experience as a claustrophobic patient who needs a MRI scan.

Friedman’s story is similar to others you may have read before. And while there are definitely improvements with open MRIs and larger bore openings, we do not necessarily need to reinvent the wheel to make the MRI experience better.

At Sound Imaging, we aim to make the MRI experience comfortable for all patients. We do so by offering affordable, yet effective patient safety and comfort devices, like our SAMM System, a MRI CCTV system and MRI Stereo, a two-way communication and music device. With our line of MRI accessories, we hope claustrophobic concerns may one day be a thing of the past.

Click to learn more about this MRI story. This is an adapted article and picture is from this news network.

Researchers at University College London have found that MRI scans can detect HIV within the brain, even after drug treatment for symptoms.

While HIV is much easier to treat and reduce symptoms today, there are potential lingering problems. One such issue is cognitive issues, such as dementia, that almost half of HIV patients report. Usually to test lingering cognitive issues, one must undergo a lumbar puncture procedure to withdraw spinal fluid; as you can imagine, this is a very invasive procedure.

Fortunately, MRI scans have been able to detect these changes in the brain. In time, MRI procedures may be used to further diagnoses these HIV patients.

A Canadian woman, Linda McClure, was told she had to wait for 2.5 years for a MRI scan following a brain surgery. McClure has suffered from constant headaches and pain since the procedure to remove parts of her brain responsible for epileptic seizures.

McClure is only one of many who are waiting years for a scan, or forced to travel to other parts of the British Columbia for a sooner scan. There are plans to expand the number of MRIs in British Columbia.

At Sound Imaging, we believe everyone needs the healthcare they deserve. However, there are other options besides buying and making more MRI machines. Another, more affordable method to decreasing wait time is with SAMM System and SAMM M.D. These MRI compliant CCTV systems detect patient motion and can decrease wasted scan time. Explore our other cost saving solutions.

Innovators at ViewRay, a developer of radiation systems have been approved by the FDA for their cancer treatment. While MRIs do not produce radiation, this cancer treatment combines the imaging of a MR machine with targeted radiation. This allows observation and precision when administering radiation, protecting nearby organs and soft tissue.

ViewRay plans to roll out their machinery in the coming year.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRIs can work with all areas of medicine, and improve overall health. Here, we do our part to improve healthcare with our line of patient safety and comfort MRI devices. Explore our MRI CCTV System and our MRI Stereo to make your MRI the best while staying in budget.

Click to learn more about this FDA news. This is an adapted article and picture is from ViewRay.

Researchers at Harvard University have found significant results relating scans to head movement. While radiologists have always known to discard scans that are blurry from movement, it seems this may not be enough to limit poor quality scans.

Results showed for those who moved during scans there were notable correlations between head movement and readings of reduced gray matter in the brain. The likely cause is the specific head motion researchers asked volunteers to do during the scans.

This means regardless of discarding blurry scans, there needs to be more vigilance for head motion during MRI brain scans. This is not the first time we have seen the high cost of motion during scans, as shown in our 2016 story.

The Kings College Hospital in the UK has launched a VR MRI Experience video. It’s called “My MRI” and you can easily watch it on Youtube. This video showcases more so the entire process of getting an MRI, such as checking into the center, and toured around the hospital. This is also shot with a child’s perspective in mind.

The leads on this project, Dr. Ashmore and DiPetro, say this VR experience is special from any other kind of video, since it allows one to get a feel for the facility. The doctors recommend other hospitals try out this project to make it tailor made for specific facilities.

At Sound Imaging, we know how intimidating the MRI experience can be for patients. This is why we designed a number of MRI devices with patient comfort and safety in mind. One such device is MRI Stereo, a MRI conditional music and two-way communication system; another is SAMM System, the MRI conditional CCTV System to ensure patient and facility safety.

Research among almost over a dozen facilities, has found new evidence for autism diagnoses. The study analyzed infants under the age of two, and correctly diagnosed autism in 80% of the volunteers before symptoms onset. The earliest age most are diagnosed is the ages of 2 or 3, once symptoms and brain changes occur.

The research used volunteers with older siblings who already were diagnosed with autism. With these younger siblings, researchers were able to diagnoses as young as 24 months of age.

As some of you may guess, with earlier diagnoses comes earlier treatment. This early diagnoses may mitigate treatment before brain changes occur and symptoms are onset.

A few weeks ago, Michigan Medicine's East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center had to evacuate the hospital due to a malfunctioning MRI machine. The culprit was an overheated MRI control panel in a separate room, but nevertheless, this still showcases some dangers. On top of that, damages are estimated to be up to $100,000.00.

Many of know the standard ‘no metal objects’ within the MRI Suite, but this incident reminds us to be wary of all areas of the MRI unit.

As many may know, Peter Mansfield, one of the Nobel Prize awardees in the field of magnetic resonance imaging, passed away last week at the age of 83.

Not only did he help invent the modality used all around the world today, he was also the first ‘guinea pig’ to test the MRI machine. Many feared for his safety, but Mansfield was confident in his predictions. He was right, and sure enough, paved the way for the MRI industry we know today.

At Sound Imaging, we wanted to take a moment to honor Mansfield and all his work he contributed to the field.

Here, we do our best to expand the limits of the MRI field, by offering patient safety and comfort focused accessories. During Mansfield’s first scan, it was swelteringly hot and took up to an hour; we hope to improve the MRI experience upon that. One such device is SAMM M.D., a MRI conditional CCTV System with motion detection software; another is our MRI Stereo, that allows for music and communication inside the suite.

Researchers at Yale University have found significant differences in brain matter with those with bipolar disorder. The team, led by Dr. Hilary Blumburg, had a group of almost 70 volunteers, some with previous suicide attempts and others without, undergo MRI scans to analyze brain matter.

The results showed volunteers with previous suicide attempts had significant decrease of volume and activity in brain areas in charge of emotional regulation and impulses. With these findings, researchers hope to increase diagnosing and treating those with bipolar disorders and reduce suicide risk.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRI research is contributing to a better well being for everyone. Here, we do our best to expand safety and comfort of the MRI Suite by offering our patient safety focused accessories. One such device is SAMM M.D., a MRI conditional CCTV System with motion detection software; with this device, we can improve patient safety.

As many of you may know, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have won another Super Bowl Championship this past Sunday.

What some of you may not know is that Tom Brady recently did an advertisement with Shields MRI and Shields Healthcare. In this video, we see how Brady properly educates viewers about MRI Safety. As nice as those Super Bowl rings look, they cannot be anywhere where near a MRI machine.

CT scans have been used to create 3D models in the past, but MRI scans may be the best way to make models now. The method for doing so is called ‘Black Bone MRI’.

Where does the name ‘Black Bone MRI’ come from? This is due to the technique the scanner uses by reducing contrast between soft tissues during the scans. Part of the reason those are looking to MRIs instead of CTs is due to their lack of ionizing radiation.

3D models have been gaining popularity lately, especially for surgeons who can directly manipulate the models with their hands to gain better understanding.

A neonatal MRI Scanner is being used to diagnose and research premature babies in Sheffield, at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. This is one of the first instances where MRIs are being used to diagnose premature babies, and there were initial hurdles to overcome.

Due to the size and requirements of a MRI, they are usually located a distance away from a maternity ward; transporting premature babies to the MRI was a challenge. However, research is being conducted to see if MRI scans are better at diagnosing the premature babies as opposed to the standard ultrasound scans.

For now, the team is in research stages. Firstly to determine its medical benefits, but to see if there are financial benefits as well.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how the field of imaging is improving and growing for those of all ages. We understand how for young ones, MRI scans can be scary. Fortunately, our SAMM M.D. CCTV system with motion detection is there to keep an eye on your fidgety patients.

To learn more about this news, please visit this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Unfortunately, stress is an all too common experience in our world. However, getting an MRI scan should not add this stress. At Sound Imaging, we aim to improve the MRI experience by incorporating stress management techniques inside the machine. The Mayo Clinic describes, “Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off. That's why stress management is so important.”

Some of the most effective methods for stress management are relaxation techniques, like meditation and yoga. Inside a MRI, one can recreate relaxation of deep breathing and meditation with the right tools. Sound Imaging offers the tools to make the MRI Suite comfortable.

To reduce stress, we offer an affordable, high quality line of MRI accessories for your patients, such as MRI Stereo, which calms patients with their choice of music. Another accessory that can improve the MRI experience is SAMM M.D., which detects patient motion and allows for technologists to keep a watchful eye on patients. We also offers a wide array of coils, parts, systems, and services to keep your facility in top shape.

To learn more about this content, please visit this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Siemens Healthingeers and Biogen are teaming together to create a system of detecting multiple sclerosis markers in the MRI machine.

While MRIs have the capability to detect the onset of multiple sclerosis, this has only been in a research, not clinical, setting. Siemens and Biogen hope to bring this thorough method of diagnosis to the clinical setting as well. Currently in clinical settings, radiologists detect multiple sclerosis by comparing scans to one another, not detecting the condition from one initial scan. These markers ought to help reduce the overall cost of MRIs as well.

Sound Imaging is glad to see how the world of imaging improving the efficiency and cost of healthcare. For these research studies, we offer an affordable, high quality line of MRI accessories for your volunteers, such as MRI Stereo, which calms patients with their choice of music. We also offers a wide array of coils, parts, systems, and services to keep your facility in top shape.

To learn more about this innovation, please visit this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Researchers at MIT have conducted a study comparing the visual cortex of the brain of infants and adults. And while MRI scans are the go to for brain studies, this is usually with participants that can stay still. Scanning wiggly, sensitive babies is a new challenge.

The researchers worked with this challenge by including video features, reducing the noise, and made a specialty coil that acted as a carseat into their MRI scanner. With these features included, the researchers found there were similarities and differences in how both infants and adults recognized images in the visual cortex. Babies and adults preferred the same visual scenes, but adults are more selective in what they prefer to look at than infants.

Sound Imaging is glad to see how the world of imaging brings increased understanding to the world around us, including those of all ages. For these research studies, we offer a line of comfort accessories, so there is no need for elaborate methods to get your youngest patients to stay still. We also offers a wide array of coils, parts, systems, and services to keep your facility.

Researchers, led by Jesse Gomez, at Stanford University conducted a study on how people recognizes faces. They found a part of the brain, the fusiform gyrus, grows and develops as we age, hitting its peak at about age 25.

This phenomenon may explain why it is easier to remember one’s face rather than their name. This research also gives more insight in certain conditions that have facial recognition deficiencies, like facial blindness and those with autism.

The researchers used a group of 25 children, ages 5-22, and 25 adults, ages 23-25. Within these groups, a qMRI, or a qualitative MRI was performed to detect density of the fusiform gyrus. They found this part of the brain showed increase neural conditions and more complex connections as one ages.

Sound Imaging is always excited to see how the world of imaging brings increased understanding to the world around us. For these research studies, we provide a number of accessories, like our MRI Stereo and SAMM M.D. our motion detection CCTV system, to ensure quality and comfort for your volunteers. We also offer a wide array of coils, parts, systems, and services to keep your MRI healthy.

At the West Valley Medical Center in Idaho, a new MRI Suite aimed at patient comfort has opened. The facility offers mood lighting, music, and relaxing videos in the suite. The facility spent 2 million dollars to create these upgrades at their facility.

At Sound Imaging, we are always glad to see how the imaging industry works to improves the health and comfort for patients. While no doubt the 2 million this facility spent was worth it, Sound Imaging offers much more affordable options for patient comfort at a fraction of this 2 million dollar price tag.

We offer the MRI Stereo, which plays any choice of music and allows for two-communication between technologist and patient. We are also proud to present SAMM M.D., the MRI-compatible CCTV system with motion detection to ensure patient and facility safety. We offer the best in comfort and safety, all at the most competitive pricing in the market.

Researchers at the NYU School of Medicine conducted a study on how currently available YouTube videos educate patients on common imaging procedures, such as MRI and CT scans. The team found 63 relevant videos and noted how often certain features showed up.

MRI videos had the highest number of views at about 200,000. Within these videos, commonly mentioned claustrophobia at 93.8% of videos, noise in 87.5% of videos, 75.0% need to sit still, 68.8% metal safety, 50.0% intravenous contrast.

At Sound Imaging, we are always glad to see how imaging and even social media improves the health of those across the ages. We do our best to improve the quality of our devices as well. We offer a wide array of coils, parts, systems, services, and accessories to keep your MRI healthy. Sound Imaging also has a YouTube channel dedicated to MRIs. Take a look at our safety-oriented devices at these videos here and here.

To learn more about this research, please visit this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Researchers at the University of Arizona conducted a study measuring brain activity between long-distance runners and those who did not consistently exercise. MRI scan revealed that those who ran consistently had higher brain connectivity than those who did not.

While there are a number of studies that show the benefits to exercise, this study was unique in its study group. University of Arizona researchers used people between the ages of 18-25, a young group, for this experiment. Most other studies test within older age ranges. However, the team think it is important to look into what makes one healthy throughout their entire lifespan.

At Sound Imaging, we are always glad to see how imaging improves the health of those across the ages. We do our best to improve the quality of our devices as well. We offer a wide array of coils, parts, systems, services, and accessories to keep your MRI healthy.

The answer is yes. Researchers at the laboratory of Mikhail Shapiro, assistant professor of chemical engineering and Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator, created a new system to use with the MRI.

Using their technique, MRIs can show genes expression during the imaging process. In other words, this allows to see where possible tumors and abnormal gene expression without invasive surgery. Researchers were monitored a common protein, Aquaporin, to see whether or not its gene expression changed when introduced to to mice with brain tumors. Researchers found they were able to successfully detect the tumors through the MRI.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRIs and the imaging world continuously aim to improve health for all, even for those yet to be born. We also aim to provide the best in terms of MRI coils, parts, systems, services, and accessories to keep your MRI healthy.

If you would like to read more about this research, please visit this link and this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Researchers at the University of Vermont have found the accuracy of MRIs for fetus brain abnormalities is high enough to warrant further use.

In this study, researchers used a group of almost 600 pregnant women to find whether or not MRIs were more accurate in detecting brain abnormalities than ultrasounds. Firstly, the women all underwent an ultrasound at 18 to 21 weeks of pregnancy. From there, those suspected with fetal brain abnormalities went on to MRI scans.

Their results showed ultrasounds were only accurate in diagnoses at 68% of the time, whereas MRI scan showed an accuracy of 93%.

Dr. Rod Scott, a professor at the University of Vermont, says it is important to incorporate these MRI scans for pregnant mothers who are suspect of fetal brain abnormalities.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRIs and the imaging world continuously aim to improve health for all, even for those yet to be born. We also aim to provide the best in terms of MRI coils, parts, systems, services, and accessories to keep your MRI healthy.

If you would like to read more about this research, please visit this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Researchers at the Weill Cornell Medicine have categorized depression into four subcategories using over 1000 MRI scans. These findings could help streamline treatment better for those suffering from depression.

Within these four subtypes, researchers found distinct biomarkers between the groups. For some those with the first or fourth biomarker, researchers saw increased responses to fear stimuli, whereas the second and third biomarkers showed different responses.

Lead researcher, Dr. Liston, hopes with diagnosing the subtypes with depression can also have applicable results for other mental health diagnoses, like autism and substance-abuse disorders. Within the mental health field, researchers aim to fine-tune diagnoses and then work with treatment that is most appropriate.

At Sound Imaging, we are glad to see how MRIs and the imaging world continuously aim to improve mental health for all. We also aim to provide the best in terms of MRI coils, parts, systems, services, and accessories to keep your MRI happy and healthy.

If you would like to read more about this research, please visit this link and this link. This is an adapted article and picture is from this source.

Researchers at King’s College London created a new technique for MRIs to easily diagnose brain age, or rather how much the brain has deteriorated and changed over time.

The team created a comprehensive inventory of scans of about 2000 people, aged between 18 and 90. These scans were taken from healthy individuals with no known health issues, and therefore a consistent frame for reference. Once, with these scans the team created a software which MRIs can use to map standard neural pathways in the brain.

The team has seen a significant increase with accuracy compared to other methods; the margin of error is within 4.66 years of actual age.

This is significant news in the world of imaging. This would ensure quicker and accurate diagnoses. This frame of reference could also be used to diagnose those with dementia, schizophrenia, diabetes, and other conditions that cause brain deterioration.

Researchers at the McLean Hospital have found significant news in regards to brain activity in schizophrenic patients. The team presented their findings at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting in Hollywood, Florida.

Schizophrenia is a serious illness that affects up to 1.1% of the population; that is up to 51 million people worldwide. This conditions leads to those affected to experience severe paranoia and hallucinations among others symptoms.

The researchers found significant levels of oxidative stress in the brain. In the brain, this chemical reaction can lead to inflammation and cellular damage. This process is similar to the chemical reaction of metal rusting.

The study took 21 schizophrenic patients and looked for two molecules in the brain, NAD+ and NADH, which cause oxidative stress. Their results showed a 53% increase of these molecules in schizophrenic patients compared to those without schizophrenia. Similar results were also seen with bipolar patients, with schizophrenia shares some overlap symptoms.

Researchers hope with these findings, there can be more intensive research and new treatments to correct the oxidative stress in the brain.

Researchers at The University of Nottingham underwent a study to look at the effects of dialysis on patient’s hearts.

Dialysis is a long, stressful process for those with kidney complications. Researchers know that the transfusion of blood over a long period of time is likely to have effects on the heart. Now, MRI scans have looked at the effect first hand.

Research found that all patients, regardless of which type of dialysis treatment underwent, showed “some degree of left ventricular dysfunction and blood flow to the small capillaries in the heart muscle decreased significantly during both types of treatment. Our observations confirm the need for interventions to reduce the negative impact of dialysis on the heart."

Researchers plan to continue this research with other dialysis treatments. With this data, researchers aim to limit the damaging effects of dialysis in regards to heart function.

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